Low Energy

Creative Building Upgrade

It is always rewarding to see a project that has been in the making for a number of years come together on site. This one began back in 2019, which is not unusual, particularly for projects in sensitive settings where care and time are essential. The latest image shows just how close we are to…

Preliminary Paragraph 84 Design

Whilst it’s only early stages and preliminary thoughts, it’s great to share this exciting sketch of a partly earth sheltered Paragraph 84 house design that we have been involved with recently. Thinking Buildings has worked on a few of these aspirational projects over the years, working within the Paragraph 84 clause of the UK’s National…

Low Energy House, Oxfordshire

This new low energy house in Oxfordshire has been submitted for planning – combining traditional shapes and building form with a sharp modern palette of materials. Whilst the project is part of a downsizing exercise for our client as they look forward towards retirement, the brief was to create large and generous living spaces that…

Planning Change To Make Installing A Heat Pump Easier

In May, major reforms under the government’s Warm Homes Plan removed a longstanding barrier: the requirement to apply for planning permission when installing heat pumps within one metre of a property boundary. Replacing a boiler is usually done when the previous boiler fails, so to have to wait for a planning approval is not something many have…

The Benefits of Timber Frames

Recently, one of our Directors, Darren, enjoyed a really interesting site visit to look at the progress of EW Estates development in Little Bourton near Banbury. The reason behind the visit was to look in detail at the Scotframe timber frame solution. Incredibly neat, tidy and super efficient – this is a great way to de-risk projects and…

Why is Choosing the Correct Orientation for your Building so Important?

When designing a building, one of the most crucial factors influencing energy efficiency is the site orientation. This refers to the positioning of a building in relation to the sun, wind, and surrounding environment. It determines how the building interacts with natural elements, which influences its energy performance throughout the year. Careful consideration should be…

Contemporary Family Home In London

We’re delighted a project in north London, which has been with us for over 8 years, is very close to completion. This project, for a new family home in north London, came to us after a failed planning application. The local planning authority have proved very difficult to work with, but after much persistence, we…

What is a Certified Passive House?

By now, you may be familiar with the general concepts of what makes a Passivhaus or Passive House. A high quality home which prioritises the comfort and wellbeing of it’s occupants through superior air quality, and which is energy efficient with cheaper running costs. In order for a home to become certified, it must be…

The Right Time for Heat Pumps?

The Passivhaus Trust have recently released best practice guidance on ‘The right time for heat pumps: decarbonising home heating in a staged retrofit’. Their document discusses the how and when to make the switch from gas boilers to heat pumps in order to avoid unintended consequences, such as increased running costs or a reduction in thermal comfort.…

Integrated Photo Voltaic Panels

Here’s an interesting idea. Building integrated Photo Voltaic panels. What’s that I hear you ask? When it comes to fixing solar panels to a roof, it’s all about making sure they stay put, while also being mindful of the roof’s structure. For sloped roofs, which are the most common, roof hooks or brackets are securely…